I'll get by with a little help from my friends!

For this week's blog, I wanted to take some time to let you know, just how much of a difference it makes to me to be able to connect with each and every one of you.  I can honestly say, that if it was not for the support of my family, friends & colleagues, I do not think I would have made it this far and be here today. My determination and will power not only comes from you all, it truly amplifies it. It can be so easy to just give up, feel defeated and let cancer win. There are moments when you are so tired and emotionally drained that you start to lose hope and for a split second feel 'what is the point in fighting this battle, when the outcome is already determined for you'. But then there are moments of hope, of optimism, of resilience that push you to fight on. To fight for every extra day that you get, to fight for the chance to continue to experience more of life's moments, to fight to not be the "typical patient". Often these sparks of optimism and resiliency come when I am thinking of my family and friends. I want to be here to experience life with you all. You all make me want to fight on!

I am so very thankful for the outpouring of support that I continue to have from so many of you. Words can't adequately express what it really means to me and to my family. To have someone take the time out of their own busy lives to drop a note, a text, a call, leave a blog comment, reach out, take time to have a coffee, this is overwhelming to me.  It means the world to me to know that others are thinking about and praying for me and my family. I often think and worry about those that do not have a support network behind them like I do. We all need an army of support to continue our cancer battle. Who is pushing them to keep up the good fight? Who is giving them the positive messages of support and encouragement? We all need someone to be our advocate and champion. 

We don't often realize that the small gestures that we show towards others can make such a big difference in their lives. A simple smile, a hug (when we can hug again!), a text or email or letter, a phone call, or an offer of support can truly make a difference. I am humbled by those that have reached out that I have not had contact with for many years. Those that have taken the time to reach out to me and offer their support. Old work and high school colleagues, old friends that we have lost contact with, all reaching out and cheering me on. I know this is not easy, I know it's hard to know what to say.  For me, I feel I am truly blessed. 

Fighting cancer can be a lonely battle, even with family and friends by your side, but knowing that others 'have your back' and are quietly or vocally supporting you in their thoughts and prayers, helps to keep you going. 

The little photo of the friendship plaque, is a piece that hangs in our kitchen, a gift from a kind lady years ago and was given to us as a "thank you" and is a memory of such fun times shared. A small token, but one that we hang proudly in our home and is a reminder of the power of friendship. She too is fighting her cancer battle "across the pond" and we think of her and her family often and wish her well.  It was the perfect image for today's blog.

Thanks to all for your ongoing support and encouragement. It is making a difference. 

Oh, and I get by with a little help from my friends! 

Richard

Thoughts & Prayers

My family and I have been overwhelmed with notes, texts and messages of support. It is heartwarming to get these messages from family, current and past friends and acquaintances. It must be difficult to write something after hearing or reading the news. What do I say? 

I remember it being difficult to know what to say when I learned about others illnesses or diagnosis. How can you show that you care, that you are there for the person and want to help without intruding or worrying that you may not be saying the right thing. There is no right thing to say! 

Positive messages are always welcome. It is sometimes hard to remain positive when the news and results you are getting are not good and sometimes difficult to understand. Getting a little pick me up message, a joke, a smile, a 'I’m thinking of you' text goes along way to brightening your day. We need to do this everyday for others. We all need these positive thoughts. I challenge you all to send positive thoughts to others in your life each day. Start today!  

Cancer is unique to each individual. Often people try to relate to your cancer diagnosis by mentioning a family member or friend who has gone through their own cancer journey. Everyone means well and wants to share their personal connection to this terrible disease. It still surprises me the magnitude of  how many lives and families this terrible disease has impacted. I can't tell you the number of people who have come forward to say that they themselves have had cancer or a close family member has or has had cancer since I started my blog. I am shocked by this. 

Thoughts and prayers do mean a great deal. Messages of support, periodic check ins and positive thoughts are encouraged. Be mindful that responses may not always be possible but know that your message has been read and know how much it means to me and my family.

It is heartwarming to see the number of people that have said that they are praying for me or have ask others in their place of worship to pray for me. People from many different religious backgrounds. Regardless of who we worship or what we believe in, we all have one thing in common, we care for others. I am so blessed. 

A few days ago I found out that a work colleague of mine had passed away after a long battle with cancer. She fought courageously throughout. My thoughts returned to her smile, her positive attitude and her caring personality. My hope is that she did not suffer in the end and that she is now at peace. My thoughts of her and her family and my prayers to support her family at this difficult time continue.

Thoughts and prayers may not change outcomes but they do change mindset. Mindset is half the battle in my opinion. My one hope is that you will acknowledge others now, letting them know how you feel about them. Don't wait until you have to include..... you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Live this each day!

Richard